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About Taylor&Emmet LLP

Taylor&Emmet LLP is one of the leading and most successful law firms in the South Yorkshire region, a position it has held for nearly 150 years.

This success has been achieved by delivering the highest quality legal advice to business and private clients, many of whom have remained with the firm for generations.

To maintain this enviable position, we have invested significantly in the business in recent years, in terms of our geographic location, number of offices, technology and the quality and ability of our people.

Legal services for your business

﻿We’re here to look after your business interests. Integrity, professionalism and the highest standards of client care form the bedrock of our services. We have the breadth of expertise and experience to help you achieve the right results.

We become a seamless part of your team by building a rapport with key staff , learning about your operation and being transparent in our work. Developing a partnership based on trust allows us to deliver cost eff ective, honest and legal advice services that will protect and enhance your organisation. Rely on us, when it matters the most.

Taylor&Emmet in the media

Being a full-service law firm means that we can tailor our legal services for sectors. This allows us to be the go-to for all your legal requirements. For more information on how we can advice you visit our key sector pages.

Our offices or Get in touch

We have been consistently recognised by The Legal 500 guide to the legal profession as one of the leading law firms in the South Yorkshire region and throughout this website you will find evidence of the references made to Taylor&Emmet, drawn from the 2012 and 2013 editions.

A different approach

Whether you are a business or an individual seeking legal advice for the very first time, our tried and tested approach to client service remains the same.

Client stories

Damages for unnecessary lateral release operation

A 47 year old man underwent an unnecessary lateral release operation on his knee. It was alleged that the operation was unnecessary and that he had only been consented for a simpler arthroscopy operation. As a professional football coach, the gentleman was clear that he would not have agreed to the more complex procedure if it had been properly warned of the risks and benefits of the procedure. He suffered a prolonged period of recovery and his earnings were adversely affected. Whilst liability was denied by East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, the matter eventually settled for £24,000.

Stillbirth

Liability was admitted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust failed to act on scans at 34 and 36 weeks gestation which showed that foetal growth was restricted. It was admitted that earlier action would have avoided the subsequent stillbirth. Both the mother and father suffered significant psychological trauma in addition to enduring the stillbirth itself. The case was eventually settled for £57,000.

Breast surgery

It was alleged that a breast implant had been negligently ruptured at the time it was inserted. This was not discovered for several months and the young lady suffered pain and distortion of her breast with associated psychiatric injury as a result. Revision surgery was eventually carried out privately around 15 months following the original procedure. The case was settled without an admission of liability and prior to the issue of court proceedings for £24,250.

Lack of informed consent for vasectomy

A GP claiming to have a specialist interest in vasectomy, had failed to warn of a risk of at least 5% of chronic/long term pain from a vasectomy. The gentleman was 52 when the vasectomy was carried out and maintained that he and his partner would have opted for alternative contraceptive methods if they had been properly warned of the risks of chronic pain. Due to complications a total of 4 operations were carried out, but unfortunately the operations were unsuccessful if alleviating the pain, which was anticipated to be permanent. The pain interfered with social activities, ability to work and the man’s sex life. Settlement was eventually agreed for £27,500 without an admission of liability.

Death linked to failure to provide gastric protection medication

A widower pursued a case in relation to his late wife who had suffered a perforated gastric ulcer leading to acute peritonitis and the need for emergency surgery. The lady deteriorated and the following year needed surgery on a hernia caused by the first surgery. She deteriorated further following the second operation and sadly died. Investigation revealed criticisms of the fact that Diclofenac had been prescribed for a long period of time without a drug to protect her stomach such as Omeprazole. This was particularly unwise due to the age of the patient who was in her 70s. A considerably amount of pain and suffering was attributed to the GP’s failure in the build up to the death. The Defendant denied liability but settlement was eventually agreed in the sum of £40,000.

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency

It was alleged that there was a delay in acting upon test results and symptoms relating to the Claimant’s Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Liability was admitted by the GP in question. The Claimant’s condition deteriorated rapidly leading to permanent peripheral neuropathy which affected his balance and severely affected his mobility. Treatment could have been given earlier in the form of Vitamin B12 injections which would have avoided the deterioration.

The gentleman became reliant on crutches to walk and was unlikely to ever return to his previous employment in the foundry industry. It was claimed that there would be ongoing need for additional care and assistance, physiotherapy, psychiatric therapy for depression and alternative accommodation. The case was settled a few weeks before trial for £750,000.

Sciatic nerve injury following hip replacement

A 60 year old lady underwent a total hip replacement but was left with a leg length discrepancy of over 2cm and injury to her sciatic nerve and “drop foot”. As a result she required a tendon transfer operation, but continued to have restricted mobility with a walking distance of approximately 100 yards. She had to take early retirement and lost earnings and pension entitlements as a result. Ongoing care, assistance and orthotics were costs were likely to be incurred. Liability was eventually admitted by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the case was settled for £215,000.

Delay in diagnosing and treating spinal fracture

It was alleged that Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust were negligent in failing to diagnose a vertebral fracture following a fall of approximately 15 feet from a ladder. The 53 year old gentleman was discharged the same day despite it being admitted that it being later admitted that spinal fracture was visible on the scans taken at hospital. It was alleged that the fracture subsequently deteriorated and that upon return to hospital, approximately 3 weeks later, the risks of any surgery were increased.

It was expected that there would be ongoing pain, restricted mobility and increased care needs as a result of the delay. The value of the claim was disputed, but settlement was eventually agreed for approximately £136,000 less repayments due to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Erb’s palsy

Various allegations were raised in relation to an expectant mother’s management during pregnancy by North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust. For example, it was alleged that it should have been recognised the mother was suffering from gestational diabetes and that there a failure to use the McRobert’s procedure during delivery which would have made safe delivery of the baby much more likely.

Unfortunately the delivery was prolonged because of a shoulder dystocia and it was suggested that the failures all contributed to the eventual injury to the new-born boy. A brachial plexus injury was caused to the shoulder which caused restrictions in later life. In the future it was likely that there would be constraints with heavier lifting and more physical jobs such as in the armed forces would not be possible. Liability was denied but settlement was eventually agreed and approved by the court for £120,000.

Fall in hospital contributes to death

It was alleged Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust had failed to carry out adequate falls risk assessments for an elderly lady being admitted to hospital. She should have been noted as being at very high risk of falls and pressure sores. It was alleged that the 91 year old lady’s previous health problems were not given enough consideration. These included; Impaired eyesight, dementia with confusion, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, angioplasty left leg in 2002, CVA (stroke), anaemia, COPD and atrial fibrillation.

After being in hospital for 2 days the lady fell, fracturing her ankle. This was inoperable, given her frail state and she remained immobilised and deteriorated in hospital. She sustained pressure sores and eventually died about 7 weeks after her initial admission.

Liability was only partially admitted and the claim was eventually settled for £15,000.

Delay in diagnosis and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

A 42 year old woman should have received earlier blood tests that would have prevented a delayed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis of approximately 3 years. As a result of the advanced rheumatoid arthritis going untreated, she developed severe damage to her joints, particularly her hands, elbows and foot. She was restricted in the work she was able to carry out and needed more assistance from her family with day to day tasks. She would experience deterioration and with significant ongoing pain, became depressed. Liability was admitted and the case was settled for £165,000 on the basis of her symptoms and care needs having been accelerated by several years.

Here to Help

Email us with details of your situation and an experienced lawyer will respond within two hours*, to advise you on your next steps.

If you are interested in understanding how Taylor&Emmet can help you with your medical negligence claim then please contact:

Partner - Clinical Negligence

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Why choose Taylor&Emmet?

"James Drydale was spot on. I could not fault him. He communicated the issues very well. I would definitely recommend the firm’s service. There were no negatives"

Mrs Anita Fermoyle

“James Drydale was very professional and understanding. He offered very good advice throughout my case and he believed in it from the start. James achieved a great result for me.”

Mr Neil Broadbent

"I couldn’t have asked for, nor expected, more help and understanding in what was one of the most difficult times of my life. I do not believe you could improve the level of service."

Mr D Oldale

"I have been looked after extremely well during what has been a difficult case. Right from the very beginning they have kept me informed and I have felt genuinely cared for by all I have spoken and met with. Nothing has been too much trouble and I have found that there has always been someone on the end of a phone ready to help and advise me. I feel they have worked extremely hard to get a just result. "

Mrs Heidi Wilton-Burr

"Camilla handled my case in an extremely professional and competent way. At the same time she was always very empathetic and understanding and I trusted her judgement at all times."

Mrs Carol Stacey

The ‘extremely well-prepared’ James Drydale leads the ‘thorough and user-friendly’ team at Taylor&Emmet LLP . James Drydale “total professional” and Paul Fouad “thoughtful and imaginative”.

Legal 500 - 2016

“He has been so diligent and easy to contact if we had any queries, He has achieved a marvellous outcome for us, and we are very appreciative of him. We would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who is the victim of clinical negligence and unsure of who to contact. He has been fantastic with us..”

Clinical negligence client - 2018

“Extremely thorough and user friendly approach to clients.”

Legal 500 - 2017

The clinical negligence department at Taylor & Emmet LLP handles complex and high-value matters, as well as being one of few firms able to offer legal aid for birth injury cases. Recently made up to equity partner, James Drydale is on the Law Society’s clinical negligence panel and a senior litigator of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Drydale leads the practice, which also includes Paul Fouad, who is regularly instructed on cerebral palsy, delayed diagnosis of cancer and birth injury matters. Camilla Attwood is another key name to note.

Legal 500 - 2018

Camilla Attwood was my solicitor dealing with my hip case. With many twists and turns over the four years Camilla always kept me informed and never gave up on a very difficult case. It was her brilliant work that won us our case, many thanks to Camilla and her team for all their hard work over the last 4 years.”

Keith and Maureen Edwards

I can only compliment you and your team not only on the very professional service that you have provided but to express my deepest gratitude for the empathy, support, patience and understanding that you have shown to me. I have not always been the easiest of clients however, you have always conducted business with nothing but my best interests at heart and I cannot thank you and your colleagues enough.

More information

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM?

In most medical negligence cases, you have three years to make a compensation claim, starting from the date your injury happens (or the date you first became aware that your injury was a result of negligence).

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I MAKE A CLAIM?

After you’ve contacted us, we’ll set up a free initial consultation to discuss your case and whether you have a legal claim. We’ll discuss what funding options are available to you to pay for your claim, including No Win No Fee agreements*.